Afzal Kahn’s latest project is this new mini-sport utility vehicle: the smallest ever Range Rover. We all know it’s called an Evoque, but allow A. Kahn Design to put into words just why this particular vehicle sets the benchmark.

With over 90 percent of buyers set to be ‘newcomers’ to the product, and younger, more urban and a great deal more female than traditional customers – Afzal Kahn’s dalliance with the Evoque offers a whole new breadth of excitement, taking the vehicle to a whole new dimension.

The A. Kahn Design Evoque is wholly unmistakable, with every external modification serving to coax greater performance from the car.

The principal British designer’s philosophy was always to combine mechanical perfection and exterior beauty, and as you can see, the Evoque’s smooth contour is immediately recognisable with an outstanding styling package consisting of a lowered suspension (35mm), yellow calipers, aluminum pedals, orange roof, (additional colours available), full body colour coding/detailing, privacy glass, touch screen sat nav and adaptive front headlamps all draw you in like a guiding light.

Inside is the bespoke touch: we provide our customers with the opportunity to express one’s individuality. And they can have whatever they want. Afzal Kahn could, for example, design for you a vehicle with an exterior the colour of your jeans and an interior with seats the same shade of lets say, a grey T-shirt. Customers could change the colour of the clock, or ask for anything else, the world is their oyster, so to speak.

Evolved through artistic innovation and state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology: our unique RS600 wheels, (available in 20” 21” 22” although additional wheels are also available), exemplify what A. Kahn Design is all about: creating something that is unique but refined enough to both complement and enhance each and every vehicle.

The countdown to NYE 2012 is on…Have you made your plans yet?

The newly renovated upscale Grand Hyatt Ballroom will hold a swanky affair perfect for couples and large groups.

For a Golden ticket starting at $125.00, guests will enjoy cocktails (premium open bar!), hor d’oeuvres, dessert, and dancing all night long.  VIPs will get to partake in a specialty bar where mojitos, blended margaritas, and other unique eclectic drinks will be available.

The dress code is formal so guys, grab your tuxes.  Ladies, grab your gowns!  Get ready to countdown 2012 in style.

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On December 19^th, 2011, The Shoe Library opened its doors in Hong Kong, with the largest shoe floor in Asia, with fashion designer Christian Louboutin, along with some of the most upscale people in Asia such as Josephine Liang, Yvette Yuen, Ankie Lau, Andy Wong, Khloe Chu, Helen Rong, Rosemary Vanderbroucke, Almen Wong and Christie Wo.

Guests with such an inner shoe fetish were blown away by Christian Louboutin’s launch of his first art book, which helped to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the designer shoe brand.

All 25,000 square feet of The Shoe Library was cleverly dressed by famous designer, Andre Fu.

Source: Luxury Insider

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On 18 December, leading American accessories brand Coach celebrated the brand’s launch in Kuwait with the opening of its store at 360 Mall. Among distinguished attendees was guest of honour HRH Sheikha Bashayer Khalifa Al-Sabah. Guests had the opportunity to view the latest collection of handbags and accessories, including the Kristin Elevated Leather Cheetah Haircalf Carryall bag made exclusively for the 360 Mall opening. 

Guests were entertained by a jazz saxophonist and enjoyed a selection of cocktails and canapés as they mingled inside the store which was inspired by the design of the brand’s New York City flagship.  As a memento of the occasion, attendees were invited to have their portraits taken against a black and white shot of the New York City skyline.

Since the opening of Grosvenor House’s iconic Tower Two in September, newcomer on Dubai’s social and dining scene Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar has been talk of the town. The venue features wondrous and sleek surroundings set in pure tones of white and gold and showcasing startling views of the Dubai skyline views coupled with handsome modern oriental décor. Siddharta Lounge, as the venue’s namesake suggests, is a place meant to awaken the senses and the mind towards momentary bliss through a visually stimulating culinary experience.

The venue offers dishes boasting Asian and Mediterranean influences featuring a colorful menu of dainty plates from the East and the West. As the enrapturing sounds of the DJ’s tunes began to play, my guest and I chose a table on the outdoor terrace by the pool situated with stunning views of the Marina’s evening skyline and beach down below. We were immediately taken with the impressive drinks menu encompassing a range of specialities from the fresh fruit Ryuku cocktail of watermelon juice, cranberry juice,  green apple juice with honey to the “Shake Yourself” Martini of cointreau with gin infused tai chili,  lemon juice with orange marmalade and even the option to make your own fruit juice or cocktail by selecting specific ingredients. We both opted for a Rich Martini made of cointreau, strawberry puree, kaffir lime with “homemade” spicy raspberry marmalade and enjoyed the instant kick.

Our appetizers included a refreshing salad of spicy crab and green papaya with pineapple dressing and roasted peanuts, a zesty tuna carpaccio of shallots, ponzu and mint sauce and our immediate favorite and certainly one of the most innovative of starters - goat cheese with fresh figs and balsamic and pistachio reduction featuring a creamy, sweet and salty aftertaste evoking Mediterranean summer dishes. Another preferred nibble to start off with was the smoked salmon with crème fraîche, chives and capers – simple yet regally rich.

It’s hard to decipher the mains from the starters given that the menu is divided into food categories rather than the regular three-course meal listing. From the Tapas section try the warm Spanish tortilla with roasted peppers coulis and the vegetable samosa and mint chutney from Crispy and Crunchy. The Mini-Burger section features a variety of tasty burger bites made with Wagyu beef, chicken, crab and chickpeas and tahini all of which come with crispy vegetables and guacamole. The Wagyu beef with orange and soy was an instant hit; its small and dainty size allows for multiple helpings without feelings of overeating and the usual accompanying guilt.

Not to miss out is the stir fry of Spicy Sambal Prawns or the Mixed Fish Satay of prawns, hammour and salmon with peanut sauce.  To wrap up the meal, we delighted in a serving of pistachio flavored crème brûlée – wonderfully cripsy on top and delectably creamy inside.

Siddharta Lounge provides an immediate sensory escapade. Immensely tasty and satisfying, the venue’s rich variety of dainty servings offer the perfect option for a low-key meal while indulging on the extensive selection of specialty drinks. A wonderful spot for after-work drinks, a smoke of shisha and casual dining while gazing at the stars.

Siddharta Lounge

Grosvenor House, Tower Two, +971 4317 6000

Carrie Underwood arrives at The Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand. Photos by © Erik Kabik/RETNA/erikkabik.com

On Tuesday, we shared 10 of photographer Erik Kabik’s favorite photos from 2011. Today, we reveal 10 more of the moments that Kabik considers highlights from the year. In his words, “I chose these images as some of my personal favorite moments and also moments that stood out  because of their pop culture or newsworthy significance.”

Here’s a look at 10 more of the best images of 2011. We’ll reveal more of his photos throughout the week.

Did you check out Kabik’s favorite photos part one? Click the link here.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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Experience NYC like a New Yorker at The Setai Fifth Avenue with The Experience Package. The special rate package invites guests staying for three or more nights to enjoy the hotel’s luxurious accommodations, special amenities and swank dining.

Guests choose their guestroom, suite or apartment and begin each day with a full breakfast, either in-room or at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant. The package also includes complimentary three-course tasting menu for two accompanied by the Chef’s choice of bottle of wine.

Guests will enjoy complimentary wireless Internet as well as beverages and afternoon snacks throughout their stay.

Next time you’re in New York, stay at The Setai Fifth Avenue, an exclusive member of elite Haute Hotel Network.

The Cartier timepiece exhibition is the largest event to be held in Asia and what makes this exhibition so special is the fact that this is the very first time that the Cartier collection has traveled outside of Switzerland, not to mention it being a private viewing. Guests were blown away by the outward appearance of the Singapore ArtScience Museum. To their surprise the lotus-shaped monument donned a fiery red color, courtesy of Cartier’s signature red.

Cartier’s timepiece collection includes one of the largest public displays of mystery clocks, the Cartier ID One concept watch displayed in a special stark white room, along with more than 350 VIP guests to witness the fine watchmaker’s ingenious collection, from the 20^th to the 21^st century. If interested in viewing a glimpse of the Cartier collection, the exhibit will run from now until February 12^th, 2012.

Source: Luxury Insider

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Just in time for the New Year, Patina restaurant in Los Angeles gears up for not one, not two, but three black truffle dinners which will be held on January 10, 11, and 12. Patina will offer special course meals for each of these days for up to 240 guests each night. Also, the restaurant will offer a month long special of black truffles, for instance, truffle-infused egg pasta. If that doesn’t make your taste buds water, the chef has mastered a black truffle-inspired menu that includes, duck terrine poulard with artichoke frisee and truffle vinaigrette; scallop crudo with black truffle, romaine, leeks and crostini. A delectable poached pear and brown butter cake with black truffle ice cream for dessert.

The meals range from $95 to $175, depending on the size of the meal (three, five and seven course menus); also, optional wine pairing to complement the entrees ($35-$80).

If that’s not enough excitement for the New Year, Patina’s chefs are expected to host a fourth black truffle dinner for 80 guests and what better place to do it, then at James Beard House in New York City to help celebrate their 25^th anniversary.  Members pay $155 and nonmembers $205. For more info, check the website at www.patinarestaurant.com or call 213.972.3331.

Source: Robb Report

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